Commercial Drivers License Suspension

DWI Attorney Buffalo NY

Individuals driving in New York with a Commercial Driver’s License (“CDL”) must adhere to more stringent legal rules than standard citizens. This makes sense, because commercial drivers are typically operating heavy, dangerous trucks. However, there are many alcohol-related implications that New York CDL drivers need to be aware of.

Until recently, New York commercial drivers only had to worry about CDL ramifications for DWI and other alcohol-related penalties if they were actually driving a commercial vehicle. However, recent legal developments have shifted the landscape. Now, commercial drivers can lose their CDL if they are charged with an alcohol-related offense, even if it is received while they are driving their personal vehicle.

If you are a commercial driver and have been charged with a DWAI or a DWI in New York and are worried about your CDL, call us today for a FREE consultation. Our skilled DWI Lawyer in Buffalo NY can help you or a loved one.

Commercial Driver License DWI Issues

As mentioned above, commercial drivers face harsher penalties than standard drivers. For non-commercial drivers, driving with a Blood Alcohol Content (“BAC”) of .05 to .07 is categorized as a Driving While Ability Impaired (“DWAI”) in New York. However, CDL holders can now be charged with a violation if their BAC is between .04 and .06. This is a lower and stricter bar for commercial drivers.

Further, if CDL drivers are driving a commercial vehicle with a BAC of .06 to .08, they can now be charged with a misdemeanor. Contrast this with standard drivers, who do not incur criminal penalties until their BAC rises to .08.

Keep in mind that while CDL drivers face harsher penalties and stricter alcohol-related limits, they can also be charged with the penalties administered to standard drivers. That is, a commercial driver in New York that is charged with a DWI will lose both their CDL and their normal Driver’s License.

If you have a CDL and were charged with having a BAC of .04 or higher, you will lose your NY Commercial Driving License for a year (three years if you were transporting hazardous material) – regardless of whether you were driving a commercial vehicle. Additionally, if you were driving a commercial vehicle and had a BAC of .06 to .08, you can be charged with a crime (misdemeanor).

If you refused to Submit to a Chemical Test (covered by Vehicle and Traffic Law section 1194), such as a blood test, breath test, or urine test, then your CDL will be revoked for eighteen (18) months.

It is important to highlight that the above penalties apply to your CDL – you may also lose your regular Driver’s License, although it will likely be for a lesser period of time.

If you are a commercial driver and were charged with a DWI or other alcohol-related offense, call our Buffalo law firm today for a FREE consultation. Our talented Buffalo DWI attorney can help defend your rights.

CDL Holder: “Second Offense, or Subsequent Offender”

New York is very strict on commercial driver DWIs. If you are a CDL holder and have previously committed one of the following offenses, no matter how long ago the offense occurred, your CDL will be revoked for ten (10) years.

Leaving the scene of an accident which damaged property or caused injury.

Any felony which involved the use of a vehicle.

Refusing to Submit to a Chemical Test (Vehicle and Traffic Law section 1194).

If you have committed three (3) of these offenses, your CDL will be revoked permanently. (Note that the offenses must arise from separate incidents.)

Contact Our Experienced Buffalo DWI Lawyer to Defend You Against a CDL DWI

New York has passed a litany of harsh legal penalties for commercial drivers who are charged with DWI or DWAI. That said, our skilled Buffalo DWI Attorney has a wealth of experience defending CDL holders and protecting their rights.

Contact dedicated DWI Attorney in Buffalo John Dudziak for a FREE consultation and learn how we can help defend your case.